Time fill ice maker



sept. 5, 1967 w. L. FOX 4 3,339,375

TIME FILL ICE MAKER Filed Feb. 14, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet l /6 20 Eg' j )El Z2 l i Y A "/UR NE YS Sept. l5, 1967 w. l.. Fox 3,339,375

TIME FILL ICE MAKER Filed Feb. 14, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 /CE CUBE MAKE@ 54 mln-H l N VENTO/.

W/V//am /COx @www li Y A TTORNE YS United States Patent O 3,339,375 TIME FILL ICE MAKER William L. Fox, Niles, Ill., assignor to The Dole Valve Company, Morton Grove, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Filed Feb. 14, 1966, Ser. No. 527,187 11 Claims. (Cl. 62233) This invention relates to an automatic ice cube maker and particularly to an ice cube maker having a timing means for controlling the feeding of a water supply into ice cube trays and for controlling the operation of a thermal power unit in harvesting ice cubes from the tray.

An illustrative ice cube maker utilizing the features of this invention employs a thermal power unit as a mechanical power source for emptying the ice trays. The thermal power unit has a relatively movable piston, and a heating element is used to energize the power unit for initiating extension of the piston. The piston may be mechanically linked for turning or twisting the ice tray to empty the contents into a catch basket or the like.

A slug valve has been characteristically used for relling the ice tray after harvest of the cubes. A slug valve allows a predetermined quantity or slug of water to enter the trays at a given filling. In this way, the operation of the ice -cuber has been made substantially consistent. However, the slug Valve adds significantly to the cost of the automatic ice cuber, and it has been found desirable to develop an alternate method for filling the ice trays.

After the tray has been relled, the water `begins to cool to form the cubes. However the thermal power unit likewise cools. If the thermal element retracts during substantially the same time interval required for forming the ice cubes, the retraction of that element could be ernployed as a means for initiating energization of the he-ating element and consequently of the cube harvest. However, it has been found that the thermal power element cools much more quickly than the time required to form ice cubes and, accordingly, insulation means have been devised to slow the cooling of the power unit. In this way, the thermal power unit can be utilized as a switching means both during extension of the power element and during retraction thereof. l

However, the use of insulating means about the thermal power element tends to be cumbersome and expensive. Accordingly, it has been found desirable to develop an alternate means to delay emptying the ice trays while still using the retraction on the powerunit as a means for cycling the harvest operation.

Therefore, it is a principal object of this invention to provide an ice cube maker having a control circuit for more eiliciently controlling the harvest of cubes from an ice tray and for replenishing the tray with a given quantity of w-ater.

It is also an object of this invention to provide an ice,V

cube maker having means for time iilling an ice tray for providing a specified quantity of water at the proper time interval in the ice making cycle.

It is another object of this invention to provide an ice cube maker utilizing a thermal power unit for harvesting cubes from an ice tray and employing timing means for initiating the energization of the power unit in response to the retraction of a thermally extensible power element.

It is another object of this invention to provide an ice cube maker having a thermal power unit for emptying an ice tray wherein the retraction of the ther-mal power unit actuates a timing motor and the timing motor in turn determines the subsequent energization of the thermal power unit.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an ice cube maker having a thermal power unit for emptying an ice tray wherein extension of a thermal power element relative to the power unit actuates a switching means for energizing a timer motor whereupon a solenoid operated water valve is actuated according to a time schedule established by said timing motor.

It is an additional object of this invention to provide an ice cube maker having a control circuit for regulating the emptying and filling of the ice tray wherein the retraction of a thermal power element of a power unit energizes a timing motor for delaying the vre-energization of the power unit and the subsequent emptying of the ice tray.

It is another object of this invention to provide an ice cube maker having a thermal power unit for actuating a timing motor upon retraction thereof, whereupon said timing motor is de-energized and preset for being re-energized upon extension of the thermal power unit and wherein extension of the thermal power unit re-energizes the timing motor for operating a solenoid Valve and releasing thereby la xed quantity of water intothe ice maker.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be understood in greater detail from the following description and the associated drawings wherein reference numerals are utilized in designating a preferred embodiment and wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a schematic illustration showing an ice cube maker along with the principal electrical and mechanical control apparatus connected thereto;

FIGURE 2 is a time graph showing the time intervals during which the several electrical connections shown in the schematic of FIGURE 1 are in operation;

FIGURE 3 is a schematic diagram similar to FIGURE 1 showing an alternate embodiment of the electrical control circuit, and FIGURE 4 is a time graph similar to the graph of FIGURE 2 pertaining to the functioning of the control circuit of FIGURE 3.

This invention concerns generally a more effective and eicient means for iilling an ice tray of an ice cube maker and for determining the proper time for emptying the tray and resetting the cycle of control operations. More particularly this invention concerns the use of a timing motor to `introduce a time delay into a control circuit for the purpose of maximizing the utility of mechanical control apparatus used to regulate the ice cube cycle. Also, the timing motor is used in the circuit of this invention as an effective means for filling an ice cube tray in accordance with a preset time schedule and in response to the energization of a thermal power unit.

Referring to the drawings in greater detail, FIGURE l shows a control circuit 10 which is deployed for actuating an ice cube maker 11. The control circuit determines the time at which an ice tray 12 will empty its contents into a catch basket or the like and at which water will flow for causing the flow of water through a water feed line 13 to replenish the emptied ice tray 12.

The circuit 10 is provided with rst and second power terminals 14 and 15 for being connected to a standard household power source. The terminal 15 may be considered to be associated with the high potential side of the line, while the terminal 14 may be considered to be the electrical ground.

A main power line 16 extends from the terminal 15 to circuit points 17, 18 and 19 for energizing the three Patented Sept. 5, 1967 The circuit point 24 then may be connected to a ground line 25 which extends to the ground terminal 14. When the circuit point 24 is, in fact, connected to the 4ground line 25, the heating coil or element 23 will be energized, as a completed current path will be formed between the source terminals 14 and 15.

A second parallel branch of the ladder network comprises a timing motor 26 which is connected from the circuit junction point 18 to a circuit point 27 which, as in the case of the circuit point 24, may be connected to the ground line and hence to the ground terminal 14. Connection of the point 27 to the line 25 will therefore energize the timing motor 26 and begin the timing cycle which is pre-incorporated into the motor as is well understood. For instance, energization of the timing motor may operate a cam which according to the speed of the motor will engage and disengage a series of circuit switches for controlling and hence timing the circuit operations.

The third parallel branch associated with the ladder network 10 consists of a solenoid operated valve 28 which is connected from the circuit point 19 to the circuit point 29. As in the case of the previously mentioned circuit points 24 and 27, the circuit point 29 may be connected to the ground line 25 for energizing the solenoid valve 2S to permit a flow of fluid through the feed line 13 and hence into the ice tray 12. It is apparent that a specified quantity of water can be caused to ow through the line 13 by providing a flow control device, as is well understood, within the water line and by actuating the solenoid operated valve for a predetermined time interval to allow the regulated flow rate to properly till the ice tray.

The ysource of mechanical power used to empty the ice tray 12 or the ice cube maker 11 is a thermal power unit 30 having a power casing 31 and a relatively extensible -power member 32. The power casing 31 essentially consists of a wax-filled container having a diaphragm extended between the wax and the power member 32 whereupon expansion of the wax causes the power member 32 to extend relatively from the casing 31. In addition, spring return means may be used to bias the power member 32 inwardly of the casing 31 such that the power member will always be seated against the cooperable diaphragm for all states of expansion of the wax contained therein.

The power member 32 is mechanically linked through a linkage 33 to a switch 34 which is connected between the circuit points 35 and 36. The circuit point 35 is a terminal on the ground lead 25 While the circuit point 36 is a terminal of a common contact wire 37.

Assuming the ice tray 12 has been filled with a suitable water supply which is beginning to cool for forming ice cubes, the power member 32 will begin -to retract inwardly of the casing 31 due to the contraction of the wax contained therein. The contraction will occur because the heating element 23 is not at this time connected to the ground line 25 which is required for energization. The heating element 23 is connected only to the point 25 and through an overload switch 38 to a circuit junction point 39. Therefore the circuit containing the element 23 is incomplete, and the element is in a de-energized state.

The retraction of the -thermal element 32 within the casing 31 causes the switch 34 to be moved from the circuit point 36 to the circuit point 39 as indicated by the dotted line 40. The result is that the circuit containing the heating element 23 is completed and the element is energized for delivering heat directly to the casing 31. In fact, the element 23 may be wound directly about the casing 31 to maximize heat transfer from the heating coil itself to the casing 31. Heat received at the casing 31 will cause the expansible wax contained therein to expand and urge the dia-phragm to move the power member 32 outwardly from the casing 31.

As the power member 32 begins to extend from the casing 31, a gear rack 41 which is directly linked to the power member 32 begins to operate a cooperable pinion 42 for emptying the tray 12. Translation of the rack 41 will cause rotation of the pinion 42 in a well understood manner which may, for example, twist the tray 12 about its axis for causing the ice cubes formed therein to be emptied into a lower catch basket. As soon as the cubes are emptied from the tray 12, release means may be engaged for immediately restoring the horizontal position of the tray. That is, while the twisting of the tray 12 may be confined to the speed of extension of the thermal power member 32, the return of the tray to a horizontal position need not be confined to the retraction of the member 32.

The power member 32 is linked to the switch 34 in two ways. First, as described, the retraction of the member 32 causes the switch 34 to move from the junction point 36 to the junction point 39. Second, the extension of the power member 32 subsequent to the emptying of the tray 12 causes the switch 34 to be restored to its connection at the junction point 36.

When the switch 34 was initially moved from the point 36 to the point 39, the junction point 27 associated with the timer 26 was connected through a switch 43 directly to the ground line 25 thereby energizing the timing motor 26. The switch 43 however, promptly after energization ofthe 'timing motor 26 was moved from a seated position at a junction point 24 to -a junction point 45. Therefore the timing motor after being energized by the movement of the switch 34 to the junction point 39 immediately deenergizes itself Iby moving the switch 43 from the junction point 44 to the point 45. This mechanical connection between the timing motor 26 and the switch 43 is indicated by a dotted line 46. The positioning of the switch 43 at the point 45 as indicated by the dotted line 47 however serves the purpose of placing the timing motor in a position for being re-energized by the subsequent movement of -the switch 34 from the point 39 to the point 36.

The timing motor 26 therefore is re-energized substantially at the time of the emptying of the ice tray 12. A time delay may be incorporated into the timing motor between the emptying of the ice tray 12 and the energization of the solenoid valve 28 to assure the proper positioning of the ice tray before water begins to ow through the feed line 13. Energization of the solenoid 28 is accomplished through a mechanical linkage or connection 48 to a valve switch 49 which is connected between the circuit point 50 and the circuit point 51. Since the switch 34 is seated at the contact point 36 and the switch 43 is seated at the contact point 45, a completed circuit is formed with the closing of the switch 49 against the circuit point 51. The solenoid valve 28 is energized and a specified rate of flow of water is initiated. According to a given time schedule incorporated into the timing motor 26, the switch 49 is again opened, and the ow of water through the solenoid valve is halted. The timing motor however continues to operate until the proper signal is received for moving the switch 43 from the circuit point 45 to the point 44 for de-energizing the timing motor 26. At this time the circuit is restored to its initial operating condition and subsequent cooling of the thermal power unit 30 will begin the cycle anew.

FIGURE 2 illustrates the typical time intervals during which each of the circuit functions occurs. For instance, after the tray 12 has been filled with a new supply of water the circuit remains idle for approximately 60 minutes. This will be the time required for the power member 32 to retract within the casing 31 and begin the cycle operation. Of course, the power mem-ber would retract more quickly then specified if insulating means are not provided to prevent the sudden cooling of the power element. It is assumed however that in this circuit, insulating means are so provided and the power member 32 retracts within the casing 31 during a time interval required for forming new ice within the tray 12.

During the 60 minute interval required for the ice to form within the tray 12, the switch 34 is seated against the contact point 36. Similarly, the switch 43 is seated against the contact point 44. When the power member 32 retracts, the switch 34 moves to the point 39 and a timing motor 26 is energized for approximately 1 minute as indicated in FIGURE 2. When the timing motor is deenergized, the switch 43 has moved to the contact point 45 and the switch 34 remains -at the contact point 39. When the power member 32 extends from the casing 31 and empties the ice tray 12 which takes -approximately 5 minutes, the switch 34 returns to the contact point 36. At that time the timing motor is re-energized, and about 30 seconds later the switch 49 is moved to the contact point 51 for energizing the solenoid 28. The solenoid 28 is energized for approximately 30 seconds, and the timing motor subsequently moves the switch 43 from the point 45 to the point 44 whereupon the entire switching system has been recycled.

The control circuit shown in FIGURE 3 and further illustrated in FIGURE 4 is substantially similar to the circuit of FIGURE 1, and therefore reference numerals have been carried from FIGURE 1 to FIGURE 3. However, FIGURE 3 incorporates an additional switch 53 which is connected in series with the heating element 23. Furthermore, the switch 53 is opened and closed against the contact point 54 by the timing motor 26. Initially the switch 53 is opened and the retraction of the power member 32 within the casing 31, which closes the switch 34 against the contact point 39, does not initiate the energization of the heating element 23. This is because the switch 53 is in an opened position. 'I-Iowever, as in the case of the circuit of FIGURE 1, the timing motor is initiated by the movement of the switch 34 to the point 39 and a timing delay is incorporated into the motor which establishes the operation time of the switch 53.

As shown in FIGURE 4, the timing motor is initiated at the time of the closing of the contact point 39. The timing motor runs for approximately ten minutes whereupon the switch 53, which is mechanically linked to the timing motor, is closed against the contact point 54. The closing of the contact point 54 then energizes the heating element 23 and begins the expansion of the thermal power unit 30. Afterwards the operation of the circuit is substantially identical to the circuit of FIGURE l. In particular, the extension of the power member 32 empties the ice tray 12 and moves the switch34 'to the point 36. This occurs approximately five minutes after the closing of the switch 53 and the energizing of the heater 23.

Since the -switch 43 has been moved to the junction point 45 immediately following the energization of the heater 23, the movement of the switch 34 to the point 36 re-energizes the timing motor for accomplishing two operations. First, the switch 49 is closed and the solenid 28 is operated for a specified interval of approximately 30 seconds. Second, the switch 53 which had been closed to energize the heater 23 is reopened for being recycled. Also, the recycling of the switch 43 f rom the point 45 to the point 44 is accomplished as in the example of FIGURE 1.

Therefore, the circuit of FIGURE 3 not only links the operation of the thermal power unit 30 to the timing motor 26 but also utilizes the timing .motor 26 -as a means for determining the energization time of the thermal power unit 30. In addition, the timing motor 26 s utilized to time fill the tray 112 which makes the timing motor, in effect, a substitute for both the slug valve which has been used in the pastfor filling the ice tray and for the insulating means which has been provided about the thermal power unit for delaying the cooling of the power unit to correspond to the formation of ice in the ice tray.

It is apparent that various modifications and combinations of the disclosed embodiments may be accomplished by those versed in the art, but I desire to claim all such modifications and combinations as properly come within the scope and spirit of my invention.

I claim as my invention:

1. A time fill ice maker comprising:

an ice cube maker,

first and second electromechanical transducers for emptying ice from said ice cube maker and for refilling said ice cube maker with water,

a control circuit for sequentially actuating said first and second electromechanical transducers,

said control circuit including a timing motor for engaging and disengaging said second electromechanical transduncer according to preset time intervals, means -for energizing sai-d timing motor in response to the deenergization of said first transducer, and means for initiating operation of said control circuit an-d for continuously lrecycling the control function. 2. A time fill ice maker as described in claim 1 wherein said first electromechanical transducer comprises a thermal power unit and an operably associated heating element .and said second electromechanical transducer comprises a solenoi-d operated water valve and wherein energization of said thermal power unit mechanically empties said ice cube maker and energizes said timing motor, and said timing motor delays energization of said solenoid valve.

3.A A time lill ice maker as described in claim 1 wherein said control circuit includes a switching means for energizing said timing motor in response to the deenergization of said first electromechanical transducer and wherein said timing motor has means for re-energizing said first electromechanical transducer after a time delay incorporated therein and wherein said switchi-ng means subsequently de-energizes said first electromechanical transducer in response to a specified energy level of said tnansducer.

4. A time fill ice maker as described in claim 1 wherein said control circuit has a first switching means for energizing said first transducer and for simultaneously engaging said timing motor,

said timing motor having a second switching means connected thereto for disengaging said timng motor during energization of said first transducer and for presetting said timing motor to be re-engaged by subsequent operation of said first switching means,

said first switching means bein-g connected to disengage said first transducer in response to a given energy level thereof, whereby said timing motor is reengaged.

5. A time fill ice maker in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first electromechanical transducer comprises a thermal power unit and an electrical heating coil for energizing the power unit,

means connected to said power unit for engaging said heating coil upon retraction of the power unit, means for engaging said timing motor simultaneously with the engagement of said heating coil,

means connected to said power unit for disengaging said heating coil after expansion of said power unit, means for engaging said timing motor simultaneously with the disengagement of said heating coil, and means connected to said timing motor for operating said second electromechanical transducer for a predetermined time interval. y6. A time fill ice maker in accordance with claim 1 wherein said control circuit comprises:

a ladder network having said first electromechanical transducer forming a first parallel branch thereof,

said timing motor forming a second parallel branch and said second electromechanical transducer forming a third parallel branch,

a common circuit switching contact,

first switching means for alternately connecting and disconnecting a power source from said first electromechanical transducer to said common contact, second switching means for .alternately connecting and disconnecting said timing motor yfrom said first electromechanical transducer to said common contact, third switching means for connecting and disconnecting said timing motor to said second electromechanical transducer,

said first switching means being normally connected to said common contact,

said second switching means being normally connected to said first electromechanical transducer,

said third switching means being normally opened,

said first electromechanical transducer moving said first switching means in response to cooling of said ice cube maker to connect the power source to said first electromechanical transducer,

whereby said timing motor is engaged,

said timing motor moving said second switching means to said common contact, whereby said timing motor is disengaged,

said first electromechanical transducer returning said first switching means to said common contact after emptying said ice cube maker,

whereby said timing motor is re-engaged,

said timing motor moving said third switching means to a closed position and subsequently to a reopened position,

said timing motor reconnecting said second switching means to said first electromechanical transducer.

7. A time fill maker in accordance with claim 6 wherein said first electromechanical transducer comprises a thermal power unit having an extensible power member mechanically connected to said first switching means and to said ice cube maker for actuating said switching means and for emptying an ice cube tray respectively, and said second electromechanical transducer comprises a solenoid water valve having a flow rate control for introducing a fixed quantity of water into the ice cube maker in response to said timing motor.

8. A time fill maker in accordance with claim 6 wherein said timing motor delays actuation of said second electromechanical transducer for a fixed time interval after disengagement of said first electromechanical transducer.

9. A time fill ice maker comprising:

an ice cube maker,

a thermal power unit having a thermally extensible power member for emptying ice from said ice maker and a solenoid valve for refilling said ice cube maker with water,

a control circuit for energizing said thermal power unit and for actuating said solenoid valve,

said control circuit including a timing motor and a heater disposed in proximity with said thermal power unit,

means connected to said thermal power unit for actuating said timing motor upon retraction of said thermally extensible member,

said timing motor having means for energizing said heater upon lapse of a predetermined time interval after retraction of said thermally extensible member, means connected to said thermal power unit for triggering said timing motor to energize said solenoid valve upon extension of said thermally extensible member.

10. A time lill ice maker in accordance with claim 9 wherein first and second series switching means are provided to engage said heater,

said first switching means being operated by the retraction of .said thermal element and said second switching means being operated by said timing motor, and wherein operation of said first switching means eng-ages said timing motor for subsequent operation of said second switching means.

11. A time fill ice maker as described in claim 1 Wherein said control circuit has a first switching means for energizing said timing motor,

said timing motor having a second switching means connected thereto for energizing said lirst transducer after a time delay, means for disengaging said timing motor after the closing of said second switching means and for presetting saidtirning motor to be re-engaged by subsequent operation of said first switching means,

said first switching means being connected to disengage said first transducer in response to a given energy level thereof, whereby said timing motor is reengaged,

third switchng means connected to said timing motor for energizing said second transducer after re-engagement of said timing motor by said first switching means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,846,854 8/1958 Galin 62-233 2,907,183 10/1959 Roberts 62-233 3,020,727 2/ 1962 Lund et al. 62-233 X ROBERT A. OLEARY, Primary Examiner.

MEY'ER PERLIN, W. E. WAYNER, Examiners. 

1. A TIME FILL ICE MAKER COMPRISING: AN ICE CUBE MAKER, FIRST AND SECOND ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS FOR EMPTYING ICE FROM SAID ICE CUBE MAKER AND FOR REFILLING SAID ICE CUBE MAKER WITH WATER, A CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR SEQUENTIALLY ACTUATING SAID FIRST AND SECOND ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS, SAID CONTROL CIRCUIT INCLUDING A TIMING MOTOR FOR ENGAGING AND DISENGAGING SAID SECOND ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCER ACCORDING TO PRESET TIME INTERVALS, MEANS FOR ENERGIZING SAID TIMING MOTOR IN RESPONSE TO THE DEENERGIZATION OF SAID FIRST TRANSDUCER, AND MEANS FOR INITIATING OPERATION OF SAID CONTROL CIRCUIT AND FOR CONTINUOUSLY RECYCLING THE CONTROL FUNCTION. 